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KAMAKAZI
Joined: 14 Mar 2008
Location: Jamshil
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 Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 10:06 pm Post subject: Using 220V electronics on 110V power |
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Hi
I know that when using 220V electronics in North America, you need step up/down transformers or power converters/adapters.
However, a couple of items that Id like to use back home is a cordless phone and a very small humidfier that Im bringing from here. I notice electronics and other devices that use heat like hair dyrers etc., take a lot of wattage. But the cordless phone and humidifer I have do not. The power consumption is VERY minimal but they are still 220V products. What if I was to plug just a simple plug adapter on the end of the plug and use them in North America?
Would they still function properly and would I see any problems? |
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Bondrock
Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Location: ^_^
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:41 am Post subject: |
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| just read the label on the product. if it is dual voltage it will say so. |
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KAMAKAZI
Joined: 14 Mar 2008
Location: Jamshil
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:34 am Post subject: |
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| Bondrock wrote: |
| just read the label on the product. if it is dual voltage it will say so. |
They are only 220V. so Im wondering what would happen. Both items are VERY low wattage. Could I get away with just putting on a plug adapter on the end of the plug? |
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Underwaterbob
Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Location: In Cognito
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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There's a chance it will work fine. All AC is converted to DC in 99% of electronics anyway.
Then there's always a chance that it will start spewing sparks and burst into flames.
How much do value these things? You can buy a step up transformer for something like $6. (it's step down that costs more and tends to be huge) |
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ladron
Joined: 20 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| I'm not an electrician, but I don't think they would start spewing sparks as the voltage is lower. But I gotta know why you are so attached to a humidifier and a cordless phone. Can't you just get replacements when you get there? |
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Underwaterbob
Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Location: In Cognito
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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| ladron wrote: |
| I'm not an electrician, but I don't think they would start spewing sparks as the voltage is lower. But I gotta know why you are so attached to a humidifier and a cordless phone. Can't you just get replacements when you get there? |
Lower voltage does not equate to less chance of sparks. 110V is still enough to fry even a human being (though it's really current that determines how likely you are to die). Many tiny circuit components are rated to work with one level. Giving them half, or giving them double are just as likely to screw things up.
Electrolytic capacitors for example are great fun. If you run current through them in the wrong direction, they can explode. I used to do it for fun when I was messing around with circuits a few years back. |
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